New Yorkers are getting ready to select their first new mayor in 12 years.

Election Day is the beginning of the city's farewell to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who helped define the city since 2001. Voters now have a choice between two different visions for the future.

Republican Joe Lhota, a former aide to Rudy Giuliani, largely wants to continue the policies of Bloomberg and his former boss. Democrat Bill de Blasio, the public advocate, wants a break from the Bloomberg years and is calling for improved community-police relations and a tax increase on the rich.